740.0011 European War 1939/2162: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Brazil ( Caffery )50
104. Your 149, April 12, 9 p.m. The Department is of the opinion that the American republics have adequately placed themselves on record at various inter-American gatherings with regard to the rights of small nations and the principles of international relations to which the American republics adhere. With regard to the formulation at this time of a specific statement applicable to recent events in Europe, you may, in your discretion recall to Aranha that the Department expressed its willingness to participate in a unanimous collective statement of protest at the time of the invasion of Finland. However, in the absence of unanimity, this protest was not made. Even if unanimity could now be obtained, and there is no reason to think that circumstances in this respect have changed, it would appear that the failure to take collective action in the case of Finland would preclude any such action at the present time.
In this connection, as you are aware, the President has already stated the views of this Government (see radio bulletin No. 88 of April 1351). The Department is confident that these views are shared by the other American republics.
- The text of this telegram was repeated on the same date as No. 58 to the Ambassador in Argentina with reference to his telegrams No. 103, April 12, 5 p.m., p. 724, and No. 105, April 13, 1 p.m., supra. ↩
- For statement by President Roosevelt released to the press by the White House April 13, see Department of State Bulletin, April 13, 1940, p. 373.↩